A Big Mac Bowl has all the delicious flavors of the double stacked cheeseburger, but without the bun. This low carb burger bowl is a overflowing with cheesy bites of burger, lettuce, dill pickles, tomatoes, cheese, onions and a simple homemade Big Mac sauce. You won't even miss the bun with this Big Mac salad bowl.

"Thanks for a great recipe . My husband is on a reduced carb diet so I thought this would be a good choice. My daughter complains I can't make a decent burger but I followed your instructions, used a cast iron skillet and she loved the burger bites." 5 stars.

Recipe review

A quick look at this recipe

Recipe Name: Big Mac Bowl
Ready In: 25 minutes prep, 10 minutes cook time, 35 minutes total time
Serves: 4
Calories: 594 per serving
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, onion, lettuce, tomatoes, American cheese, cheddar cheese, dill pickles, mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, sour cream
Difficulty: Easy

Once a year I treat myself. I hit up the drive thru and order two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles onions on a sesame seed bun. Add a Coke and fries and the meal takes me back to my childhood.

It's a favorite, but not the healthiest of meal choices. I can justify eating one about once every 12 months. I did develop a smaller version of a Big Mac that's less of a guilty pleasure. These mini cheeseburgers are also a favorite.

Wanting a healthier Big Mac, I deconstructed the famous doubled stacked cheeseburger and made it into a Big Mac Bowl.

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Why you'll love this Big Mac burger bowl

Low carb salad: Ditching the bun for lots of lettuce makes a Big Mac Bowl low carb. But you won't sacrifice any of the flavors you love.
Lots of vegetables: Another plus, the bowl is also loaded with crisp and healthy vegetables. The burger makes this a protein packed bowl of goodness.
Healthier version of a classic: Best of all, this Big Mac without a bun bowl satisfies the craving for a Big Mac, but is a healthier alternative.

Ingredients for Big Mac in a bowl recipe

Gather the fresh and high quality ingredients for my burger bowl recipe. Scroll to the recipe card for full quantities of the ingredients.

Ingredients for Bic Mac bowls including ground beef, onion, American cheese, cherry tomatoes, lettuce and dill pickles.

Ground beef: 80/20 ground beef is my go to for burgers.
Finely chopped onion: I finely chop the onion so it essentially melts into the burger.
Kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper
Salted butter: Cooking the burgers in butter adds to their rich flavor.
American cheese: Deli sliced cheese is the easiest to use for burgers.
Mayonnaise, ketchup: The special sauce gets its distinct light pink color from ketchup.
Sweet pickle relish
Sour cream
Chopped Iceberg lettuce
Chopped dill pickles
Cherry tomatoes
Slivered red onion
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Substitutions

Ground beef: In a pinch I'll use 85/15. You can substitute lean ground turkey if you'd like.
Onion: Use yellow or white onions.
Sweet pickle relish: I'll substitute finely chopped sweet pickles if I'm out of relish.
Sour cream: Plain yogurt can also be used.
Iceberg lettuce: Romaine is also a tasty option. Or if you are short on time, grab a bag of salad greens.
Dill pickles: I chop pickle spears. But pickle chips are fun to use too.
Cherry tomatoes: Substitute chopped whole tomatoes if needed.
Red onion: Yellow or white onions can be used in its place.

How to make Big Mac bowls

If you can make cheeseburgers and salad, then you can definitely make these delicious Big Mac Bowls. This is just a brief overview of the recipe. For complete instructions, scroll to the recipe card.

Step 1: Combine ground beef, chopped onion, kosher salt and pepper. Form into 4 burger patties.

Four hamburgers cooking in a cast iron skillet.

Step 2: Cook the burgers. I recommend a cast iron skillet. Top with American cheese. Let the burgers rest. Then cut into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and sour cream for the Big Mac special sauce. Set aside.

An assembled Big Mac salad bowl with special sauce dressing.

Step 4: Assemble the Big Mac Bowls. Divide the lettuce, dill pickles, tomatoes, red onion, cheddar cheese, and chopped cheeseburgers in 4 large bowls. Drizzle with Big Mac special sauce.

Expert tip

Rest the burgers before cutting in pieces. Allow the cooked cheeseburgers to rest about 5 minutes before cutting into bite-sized pieces. This rest time accomplishes the following.

The juices redistribute.
The burgers are more flavorful, moist and juicy.
The carryover rest time allows the burgers to finish cooking. The burgers won't dry out.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Big Mac Bowl healthy?

When compared to a Big Mac with a bun, a Big Mac Bowl is like a big salad loaded with vegetables. It's healthier than the traditional burger. But to keep it as healthy as possible, limit the special sauce and go easy on the shredded cheese.

Do you have to make burgers for a Big Mac Bowl?

It's not necessary to make individual burgers for each bowl. However it's my preference. I like having bite sized pieces of the juicy cheeseburger throughout the bowl. As an alternative, cook crumbled ground beef with the finely chopped onions and season with kosher salt and pepper. Divided the cooked meat evenly between the bowls.

Can a Big Mac Bowl be made in advance?

Yes! This is a great low carb meal prep recipe. Make and cook the burgers. Mix up the special sauce. It's easy to keep the ingredients for Big Mac sauce on hand. Chop, dice and slice all the salad ingredients. Assemble the bowls in airtight containers except don't add the sauce. These meal prep containers are some of my favorite. And these condiment cups are perfect for the special sauce. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To serve, toss the bowls with the sauce and enjoy.

a tossed Big Mac Bowl with special sauce.

Can you make big Mac Bowls in advance? Yes! This is a great low carb meal prep recipe. Make and cook the burgers. Mix up the special sauce. Chop, dice and slice all the salad ingredients. Assemble the bowls in airtight containers except don't add the sauce. And these condiment cups are perfect for the special sauce. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To serve, toss the bowls with the sauce. Is a Big Mac Bowl healthy? When compared to a Big Mac with a bun, a Big Mac Bowl is like a big salad loaded with vegetables. It's healthier than the traditional burger. But to keep it as healthy as possible, limit the special sauce and go easy on the shredded cheese. Do you have to make burgers for Big Mac Bowls? It's not necessary to make individual burgers for each bowl. However it's my preference. I like having bite sized pieces of the juicy cheeseburger throughout the bowl. As an alternative, cook crumbled ground beef with the finely chopped onions and season with kosher salt and pepper. Divided the cooked meat evenly between the bowls.